Saleofcar.com :Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile Other Delta 88 Royale Convertible - Rocket 455 (1973)
for sale

Price: US $1,973.00

Description:

1973 Delta 88 Royale
Rocket powered Land Yacht
56k miles
on legendary 455 cu in Rocket engineFrom small collection -- mature meticulous ownershipDesirable color combo -- white is nice when top is down!
Up for bid is a very easy to enjoy magic carpet ride. By this time, GM had pretty much perfected the finger tip control rolling wide track sled. The legendary 455 Rocket engine was not destined to be used past the oil embargo. This was the last model year. With power assisted disc brakes, it really is an enjoyable, capable cruiser.
Feel free to take a tour of the vehicle right away --
here
History -
This car was built in the Kansas City plant and was purchased by an elderly gentleman in a small farming community in Kansas. A Midas receipt from 1979 confirms his ownership at least since then. It was always stored in the most original of man caves - the barn/garage. He took very good care of his vehicles and enjoyed taking his wife to local shows. This car comes with the plaques he had made for such occasions. His passing meant it was time for the car to start it's next chapter in life.
Exterior Details --
This car appears to be mostly original. Some touch-up work was done to it's original Omega Red burgundy paint but not since '79. It is very presentable and no doubt still showed well at the local shows, but evidence of use can be found throughout. The most obvious is a scrape in the front left corner near the headlight and some road rash behind the rear wheels. Overall, it still presents very well and is easy to enjoy and drive in this condition. It would be a good candidate for a respray should you choose. I think the impact would be pretty stunning, but solid driver shape has it's place too.
Wheels & Tires --
Newer white wall steel belted radials were installed at some point. The car has been driven so little that they show very little use. It was driven and maintained well so, the also are not dried out. Each wheel wears it's original hub cap and a spare is in trunk, along with the original spare tire - never on the ground.
Lenses, trim & brightwork --
The bumpers on this car are behemoth, as you can imagine. They are in great shape. The lens surrounds as well. The fish gill and side molding all in excellent, well preserved condition. The long run of rocker trim is also very nice. I particularly like the way the front grill extends below the bumper on these model years. Kind of like a fish mouth to go with the fish gills. Not far from a yacht is it?
Interior -
A great deal about a car's overall care and use can be told in the interior. This one just screams low miles, original and pampered.
Dash has no splits or cracks. Steering wheel still has excellent original texture. Courtesy lights all work just fine. Fuel gage is always an optimistic full. Clock is correct twice a day.
Carpet is another example of what well preserved originality brings to a collector car. There is some slight wear on front passenger side (see pic 2). Original car mats also come with the car. They no doubt helped in the preservation game.
Top and Boot --
The top is about 4 years old and presents as new. The rear glass is as flawless as the fabric. The scissor frame of the automatic top works great and is easy to use.
Other details --
GM was proud of flagship models in their product line. The Royale (with cheese) got nice little details like tufted seats, abundant courtesy lights and geometric trim inserts. These items are in great shape and capture the period in a nice way.
Engine --
Not all Oldsmobile's from the era got the 455 Rocket, but showcase models like the convertibles, frequently did. The air filter decal was discontinued in '74. They are credited with a 20% bump in value over less well endowed machines. The engine is another example of low usage and consistent care. The rear seal on the transmission was replaced about one year ago. This was done to address a small leak and is exemplary of the kind of care she has always enjoyed.It fires right up and pulls willingly. It glides straight down the road with almost no effort. You will really enjoy the power and ease of this classic -- a trip back in time for sure.
Undercarriage --
The underneath of the car is similar to the engine bay, well preserved, original and not a whole lot of dressing. This is a case of a convertible that was always used as a weekend cruiser. Nice, honest and original.
Trunk --
The interior of the trunk is consistent with the rest of the car, original and proud. The inside of the trunk lid is about as clean as they come.
Questions, Bidding, Shipping, etc.
Reserve price
-- I am not listing the reserve price out of respect for the bidding process. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. The car is for sale locally so, I will certainly entertain offers over the phone as well.
(816) 786-7534.
Bidding
-- please treat the bidding process as the serious intent to purchase the vehicle that it is. There are likely to be quite a few people involved in this process and everyone benefits when the process is respected. Simple bid the amount you are comfortable investing in a classic convertible preserved to this level. If you have any questions, please call.
Shipping
-- shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help with basic logistics on my end in any way I can -- I'll make it easy. If you are overseas, let me know and I can supply you with contact information for a few shippers with strong reputations for that service.
Many thanks for your interest and good luck bidding!

_{update: 2015-06-08}